Summary
"This Side of Paradise" is a novel that traces the journey of Amory Blaine, a young man navigating the trials of youth, love, and loss against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. It is a tale of self-discovery, capturing the essence of Amory’s complex relationships and personal evolution. With ambitions shaped by elite schools and societal expectations, his experiences are a testament to the struggles of finding one's identity.
Childhood and Education
The narrative kicks off with Amory's glamorous early life under the wing of his vivacious mother, Beatrice Blaine. Their adventures are put on hold when Amory suffers a medical emergency during a voyage to Europe, leading him to stay with his relatives in Minneapolis. There, he attends a private school where he begins embodying elitist ideals, shortly before convincing his mother to send him to a boarding school. At this new institution, Amory's snobbery earns him few friends, but he finds a mentor in Monsignor Darcy. It isn't long before Amory’s talents on the football field and his contributions to the school newspaper win him popularity, paving his way to Princeton University.
Princeton Years
Amory's Princeton years are a mix of social triumphs and personal setbacks. He immerses himself in college life through theater and journalism, forming close bonds with peers like Kerry, Burne Holiday, and Tom D’Invilliers. A visit to Minneapolis introduces him to Isabelle Borgé, sparking a romance maintained by letters exchanged during his time at Princeton. However, the death of his friend Dick Humbird in a car accident leaves an indelible mark. Amory's relationship with Isabelle deteriorates after a disagreement at the prom, compounded by his academic shortcomings in mathematics, which jeopardize his role at the college paper.
Despite the sudden death of his father, which leaves Amory financially secure, the event barely stirs him emotionally. His return to Princeton is marred by an eerie encounter in New York with a man whose "queer feet" provoke a sense of dread. Throughout his final years at college, Amory remains largely detached from the growing student activism led by his peers, focusing instead on his passion for poetry. The advent of World War I sees Amory enlist in the army, a decision that brings an interlude in the narrative marked by insightful correspondence with Monsignor Darcy and plans to reunite with Tom in New York post-war.
Post-War Life and Heartbreak
The second part of the novel shifts into a theatrical style as it introduces Rosalind Connage, Amory's new love interest and the sister of his college friend Alec. Their intense relationship is ultimately doomed by Amory's lack of financial stability and Rosalind's subsequent engagement to the wealthy Dawson Ryder. Heartbroken, Amory spirals into alcohol dependence, abandons his job in advertising, and swiftly depletes his inheritance. Despite these setbacks, he finds solace in literature and philosophical discussions with his roommate Tom. Yet, Tom’s departure due to family obligations forces them to part ways and sell their shared apartment.
Amory’s journey leads him to Maryland, where he stays with an uncle and meets Eleanor Ramilly, a bright and fervent young woman from a prominent family. Their relationship is marked by intellectual exchanges and the sharing of poetry, but Amory's unresolved feelings for Rosalind cast a shadow, leading to his eventual departure in a sour mood. Shortly thereafter, a night in Atlantic City with Alec Connage culminates in a scandalous escapade involving a girl and house detectives, prompting Amory to take the fall to shield Alec’s reputation. It is during this time that Amory is hit by the news of Rosalind’s marriage and the unexpected death of Monsignor Darcy.
Reflections...
(This entire section contains 714 words.)
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and Resolution
The concluding chapter of Amory’s journey is a reflective one, as he embarks on a contemplative walk from New York to Princeton. During his travels, he encounters the "big man," the father of a college friend, Jesse Ferrenby. The ensuing debate covers socialism and the radical ideas of Amory's generation, offering insight into the evolving social landscape. Left alone once more, Amory delves into deep introspection about his beliefs in religion, philosophy, and politics, grappling with the uncertainty of his future. The novel closes with Amory’s realization of self-awareness, captured poignantly in his declaration, "‘I know myself,’ he cried, ‘but that is all—.’"